[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18642]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING PAST AND PRESENT MEMBERS OF FERNALD FIRE DEPARTMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the current and 
former members of the Fernald Fire Department for their distinguished 
service in protecting the former nuclear site and the surrounding 
community for the past 50 years.
  Fernald was a major hub in America's nuclear weapons complex during 
the Cold War. Located about 25 miles north of Cincinnati, in Crosby 
Township, the site's primary charge was to produce metal uranium--an 
important and potentially dangerous job demanding skill and courage. 
The firefighters serving at Fernald share these same admirable 
qualities.
  For the last half-century, the department's men and women--
professionals and volunteers--have provided outstanding emergency 
response service to the Fernald site and the residents of Crosby 
Township. The department responds to hundreds of medical emergencies 
and house-fires every year--they made about 300 runs last year alone.
  Mr. Speaker, firefighters, like the men and women of the Fernald Fire 
Department, have always played an important role in keeping Americans 
safe. That role has never been more vital or deserving of our 
admiration and respect than in the post-September 11 world. Whether in 
New York City or a rural community in southwestern Ohio the sacrifice 
and bravery of America's firefighters is on display every day--running 
toward the smoke and flames. Saving lives.
  Later this year, the Fernald Fire Department will close its doors one 
last time after a job well done. They will leave behind their equipment 
and their service to a grateful community.
  I want to thank the past and present members of the Fernald Fire 
Department for their dedication and sacrifice in making Fernald and 
Crosby Township safer places to live and work.

                          ____________________